Entertainment

Republican National Convention: What to Expect

Political party conventions are loud, crowded, intense, and emotional. They're also lightning rods for unforgettable moments that make or break political careers. In other words, they're perfect enviroments for one intrepid Mashable reporter.

That's why we're sending someone (yours truly) for the first time in Mashable's history to cover not one, but both conventions. We've been ramping up our politics coverage throughout 2012, but the conventions mark the point when we shift into overdrive and cover the 2012 presidential election full-on.

So, dear Mashable readers, what can you expect from our coverage, starting with the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida? That starts Tuesday — the convention was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, but that was postponed due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

Liveblogs of Major Speeches and Events

We're credentialed for access to the Tampa Convention Center, and we'll use the latest in liveblogging platforms to bring you inside the convention walls during major speeches. That will include New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's keynote address and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's nomination acceptance speech, among other presentations.

Interviews With Top Tech Companies, Politicians and Their Social Media Managers

Google and Facebook are just two of the major technology companies involved with this year's RNC, which promises to be the most tech-oriented convention in history. We'll be speaking with them about what they think of the Internet's impact on politics and what they're doing to help shape the politics of the future.

We'll also talk to prominent Republican politicians about technology policy, STEM education, startups and high-tech immigration reform, as well as interview their social media managers about what it's like to run an online political brand.

Politicians, Reporters, Delegates and Their Tech

Politicians are becoming more tech-savvy, convention delegates are tweeting up a storm and reporters have come to rely on hardware (like tablets) and software (like Twitter) to get their job done.

We'll be asking them all to show off their tech and explain how it's changed politics for better or for worse.

(Bonus: You can follow the RNC's delegates — party members who vote for a presidential nominee at the convention — with this Twitter list, courtesy C-SPAN.)

The Funniest, Weirdest and Most Viral Stuff at the Convention

The convention is almost guaranteed to generate a handful of viral moments — gaffes by candidates, odd speeches and other clips that'll be great for sharing on the web. On top of that, with all the ridiculous costumes and funny t-shirts attendees wear party conventions can sometimes turn into "Comic-Con for political geeks."

You better believe we'll be snapping pictures and taking video of the best of the best viral content to share with all of you.

What's Happening Outside the Convention?

The convention halls aren't exactly open-access, and plenty of action will be taking place outside the building: various protests, supporters' rallies and off-scene parties, just to name a few.

We'll get outside the convention halls and give you a first-hand look at what's happening around the city.

Up-to-the-Second Tweets, Photos and Video; Reader Engagement

In true Mashable style, this reporter will be glued to his mobile devices, uploading interesting behind-the-scenes photos and video, as well as taking readers' questions via social media.

You can get the latest from me and engage with all of our coverage by following our US & World Twitter account, @mashusworld.

We Hope You'll Enjoy

We hope you'll love our unique, Mashable-style coverage of the Republican National Convention. If you've got something in mind that you'd like to see from us in Tampa, be sure to leave a comment below!

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